The Oosterschelde is a former estuary in the province of Zeeland, which has been closed off from the sea since the Oosterschelde barrier was implemented. In 2022, the Oosterschelde was recognized as the largest national park in the Netherlands with a total area of 350 km².
Oosterschelde National Park
The nature in and around the Oosterschelde hosts extraordinary life. From cuttlefish and seahorses to porpoises, from rare birds to thousands of plant species. The park can be considered a polder landscape with rich underwater life in a shallow sea arm, constantly changing with the tide.
In the Middle Ages, the Oosterschelde was not even a major river but just a tributary of the Scheldt. Due to silting, land reclamation, and the construction of dikes, the area around the Oosterschelde has expanded enormously. The construction of the Delta Works in 1986 transformed the Oosterschelde river mouth into a shallow sea arm. With the tides, as much as a third of it dries up during low tide.
Oosterschelde National Park is a unique and dynamic nature reserve. Thanks to the interplay of ebb and flow and the presence of salt and fresh water, the flora and fauna are particularly rich. Throughout the year, more than 85 different water birds live here, either permanently or temporarily as a resting place during migration. The tides cause numerous mudflats and sandbanks to dry up daily, full of fresh food. Other animals also feel at home here. The underwater life alone consists of thousands of species, such as the cuttlefish, a fascinating cephalopod loved by divers. In the Oosterschelde, you will also find seahorses, sharks (the smoothhound, dogfish, spiny dogfish, and starry smooth-hound – all harmless to humans), and even soft coral, known as dead man’s fingers. Seals also enjoy the park, with the dry sandbanks providing a sunny resting spot for these charming animals. If you are lucky, you may spot porpoises, also known as the Dutch dolphin. Even a walrus is not unheard of here.
Due to the landscape being nourished by both salt and freshwater streams, you will find a great variety of habitats in this nature park – from deep and shallow water, from salt and fresh water. This creates various ecosystems with a wide variety of plants. Unique flora that can only thrive in these conditions, such as sea lavender and sea aster, are abundant in this area.
‘Living to the rhythm of the tides and seasons, in a world of peace, space, light, and air.’
What can you do in Oosterschelde National Park?
The list is long, from impressive walking and cycling routes to bird and seal watching. During hikes, you will discover the Verdronken Land van Zuid-Beverland through channels, mudflats, and salt marshes. If the nature walk is a bit too adventurous, you can also rent a boat or book a boat trip. For sailors, divers, and other water enthusiasts, the Oosterschelde is a true paradise. Don’t forget that Zeeland has been named a 5-star cycling province. The quality of the cycling network, maintenance, route information, and numerous stop points along the routes are decisive. With over 35 cycling routes, there is plenty to choose from. With a coastline of 650 km, you can stroll along the many golden sandy beaches of the Zeeland coast at sunset.
Zeeland Delicacies and Salty Delights
Tasting the Oosterschelde is a must, especially for the gourmet Belgian. Mussels, oysters, and shrimp, cockles, and razor clams, but also lobster, fresh from the sea. All seasoned with sea vegetables like glasswort and sea lavender. Zeeland is a rich pantry when it comes to food. This is hardly surprising with so many local products and traditional dishes.
‘Eating out in Zeeland is best done in a fishing village. Yerseke, Philippine, and Bruinisse enjoy international recognition.’
The salty delights come straight from the sea to your plate. Fresher is impossible. When you think of Zeeland, you immediately think of delicious steaming mussels. Oysters, fresh from the pure waters of the Oosterschelde, are at their best. Zeeland flat oysters have such a refined flavor that they are almost always served raw; chilled with (for enthusiasts) a dash of pepper and a drop of lemon juice. A true delicacy! But ‘the best is yet to come’: if there is one product with real Zeeland DNA, it is the Oosterschelde lobster. This lobster tastes different, milder, than the average European lobster, and is only found in the Oosterschelde. These lobsters are sustainably caught, and only the seven to eight-year-old males are served.
On the border between land and water grows glasswort and sea lavender, both sea vegetables. Glasswort looks like a cactus without spines; it actively absorbs salt, giving it its typical salty taste. Sea lavender, or sea aster, resembles lamb’s lettuce. The plant comes from the Westerschelde and must be picked young. Both plants grow on salt marshes and sandbanks by the sea.
Yerseke: Tours, Boat Trips, and Gastronomy
We chose this village because it is known for its mussel and oyster culture. The many restaurants in Yerseke serve daily fresh Zeeland oysters, Oosterschelde lobster, and delicious mussels. In August, on the third Saturday of the month, the village holds the famous Mussel Day annually.
In Yerseke, learn all about oysters, mussels, and lobsters. Take a walk along the harbor with its mussel and oyster boats and visit authentic oyster houses. You can taste oysters at places like the Oesterij, Oesterproeverij Pekaar, and Oesters & Bubbels. Highly recommended! Twice a day at low tide, the Oosterschelde retreats, leaving the mudflats exposed, and oysters can be collected. You can collect up to 10 kilos per person, but there are rules to respect. It is highly recommended to take a guide.
You can also visit a mussel factory. Koninklijk Prins & Dingemanse is the only mussel farm open to visitors. It is fascinating to see the process: fishing, sorting, cleaning, and packaging. An appointment is necessary. Finally, there are various boat trips, some with extra arrangements. You can catch lobsters in traps, visit oyster pits, fish for shrimp, and spot seals. Such activities can also be undertaken from other Zeeland harbors like Zierikzee, Bruinisse, and Sint-Annaland. Info: www.zeeland.com
